I've stopped working due to ill health. How can I find out if I'm eligible for financial help?

gaynor99

I am at present 64 years old, I had to finish work in March 2020 due to ill health. I have received no income or benefits since that date. I live with my husband who is retired.
I see many news items where people are eligable to claim financial help, how can I find out if I am eligable.

gaynor99

I am at present 64 years old, I had to finish work in March 2020 due to ill health. I have received no income or benefits since that date. I live with my husband who is retired.
I see many news items where people are eligable to claim financial help, how can I find out if I am eligable.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I suggest you look at completing a benefits calculator to see what you maybe entitled to you can find one on gov website 

It's not easy for us to advise without knowing all your circumstances 

Another source of advice could be welfare rights or cab 

Alex_Alumni

Hello and welcome @gaynor99, thanks for reaching out! I've moved your post to our Benefits and Financial Support category so that it's easier to find.

Have you had a look at the benefits calculator on the Turn2us website? That might be a good place to start. 

I'm sure our members can also advise you with their own experiences too. 

If you need any further help with anything, please do let us know.

Alex

poppy123456

Hi,

New style ESA maybe possible but it will depend on your NI contributions in tax years April 2018 to March 2020. You will need a fit note from your GP to be able to claim this. It's not means tested so other income doesn't affect the amount you're entitled to, apart from a works pension, if you receive more than £85 per week then your ESA will be reduced by 50p for every £1 over that amount.

See link. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance#how-to-apply

There's also Universal Credit but whether you're entitled will totally depend on both of your circumstances. As it's a means tested benefit then savings/capital and other income affects it.

You mention your husband is retired, does he claim his State Pension?

If your health condition affects your daily life and you don't already claim either DLA or PIP then have a look at PIP. It's not means tested so other income/savings do not affect the amount you maybe able to claim. More information here. https://pipinfo.net/

gaynor99

Thanks so much everyone.

calcotti

If you think new style ESA could apply you can backdate a claim by up to three months if you have a supporting Fit Note from your GP. It will also be important to apply before the end of the year. If you leave it the new year they will look at the tax years 2019-20 and 2020-21 and as this covers the period since you stopped work you will not meet the qualifying NI conditions.

gaynor99

great thanks.